A once-glistening gem in the Mexico City skyline now undergoes a gradual decline, weathering the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. Constructed in 1958, Mexico City’s Condominio Insurgentes was envisioned as a radiant gem encompassing both residential and commercial spaces. However, following structural damage caused by an earthquake, it has transformed into a semi-abandoned, vertical ghost town.
Nicknamed the “Canada” building, this former condo complex in Mexico City earned its moniker from a prominent neon sign, the country’s largest at the time, which adorned its height. Today, the 19-story structure is in a state of disrepair, serving as a home for illegal squatters and various ne’er-do-wells. Initially hosting lawyers, shoe stores, and affluent families in its over 400 units, the building’s fate took a turn after a seismic event in 1985 apparently damaged its foundation, leading to the evacuation of numerous tenants.
While some resilient residents remained, the void left by departing tenants soon attracted drug dealers and squatters who swiftly took up residence in the vacated building.
Lacking proper upkeep, the once-modern facade of the building swiftly succumbed to broken windows and peeling paint, transforming into a towering eyesore. Despite its dilapidated state, the structure continues to serve as a bustling center for covert activities. Surprisingly, many within the building are not resigned to despair regarding its future. There is an ongoing petition to renovate the premises, fueled by the belief that its continued existence is evidence of its underlying structural integrity. The resilient spirit of survival seems embedded not only in the walls of Condominio Insurgentes but also in its tenants, reflecting a determined optimism for the building’s potential revival.
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